What is a Sleep-Related Eating Disorder?

A sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is one during which a person eats while he is asleep. Sleepwalking plays a role in SRED, but other symptoms such as sleep eating, must be present. SRED affects a relatively small percentage of the population, and most often strikes women and people with histories of other health problems. In addition to the usual risks of sleepwalking, SRED brings risks of physical and emotional health problems. Once a sleep-related eating disorder diagnosis is made, a doctor will typically recommend certain lifestyle changes, prescribe SRED medications, or both.

The main symptom of a sleep-related eating disorder is that the person eats while he is asleep. Since the person is asleep while this is happening, it’s difficult for him to know he might have a sleep eating disorder. If there are no witnesses, the person can look for clues such as a decreased appetite when he wakes or food wrappings or dishes left out he doesn’t remember using. Changes in eating habits after dinner can also signal a sleep eating disorder. Typically, experts suggest the symptoms last for two months or more before treating them as if they’re related to sleep eating.

A sleep-related eating disorder can cause both physical and mental health problems. For example, a person who repeatedly engages in binge eating during sleepwalking could experience considerable weight gain. If left unmanaged, the weight gain could lead to related health complications such as heart problems, high cholesterol, and diabetes. People who suffer from an eating sleep disorder sometimes experience emotional distress, as well. Even though it happens unconsciously, many sufferers feel shame, anxiety, and depression as a result of their sleep eating.

Anyone can develop a sleep-related eating disorder, but SRED seems to affect women more than men. It is estimated that 1% to 3% of the United States population alone has a sleep eating disorder, and that 10% to 15% of people who already have other kinds of eating disorders also suffer from a sleep-related eating disorder. Even people who don’t have other eating disorders but who are currently dieting and eating less during the daytime can develop a sleep eating disorder. Other people who are at risk for SRED include those who have dealt with or are currently dealing with other sleep disorders. Problems with drugs or alcohol, and certain medications such as those for depression, can lead to SRED, too.

Treatment for a sleep-related eating disorder will begin with a doctor’s diagnosis. Usually, this involves a doctor or team of doctors monitoring the affected person at a sleep center or similar facility. Once a diagnosis is made, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan that usually consists of lifestyle modifications like making certain changes to promote better sleep, safety-proofing the kitchen, and limiting or avoiding intake of alcohol and other kinds of foods and beverages. A doctor might also prescribe medication for SRED, though some experts believe traditional sleeping pills could make the problem worse. If the patient is on any medication, or suffers from additional conditions, the doctor might also make adjustments or explore other treatment methods.